Larkin Business Ventures (B)

Larkin Business Ventures, a non profit organization spun off from a social services agency for homeless and runaway youth, is creating a network of innovative businesses that provide healthy, respectful workplaces where youth who have lacked opportunities can develop skills to build productive futures. Larkin Business Ventures made its first contact with Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and after a careful exploration of options, became the first West Coast Franchise in Ben and Jerry’s “PartnerShops.” While two dozen youth are now working at a store in an upscale San Francisco neighborhood and with carts at Candlestick Park events, most of the start-up costs were met with grant monies. While planning to open a second store, Larkin Business Ventures is facing the challenge of developing ongoing operational support.